Lirong He, Lei Shi, Hongfei Liu, Chunxiao Wu, GuoLiang Wang, Guobin Liu
Aeolian sands are characterized by loose structure and poor water and nutrient retention. Incorporating Pisha sandstone into weathered sandy soils improves texture, water-holding capacity and cation exchange capacity, potentially reshaping microbial communities and crop performance. However, the role of organic fertilization in such composite soils remains underexplored. We conducted an eight-month pot experiment in the Mao Wusu Desert with Brassica napus grown in a 1:2 (v:v) mix of Pisha sandstone and Aeolian sand. Organic fertilizer was applied at 0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% of dry soil weight, based on the principles of low quantity effectiveness, high quantity safety, and distinguishable gradients. We measured plant growth and yield, soil total and available nutrients, and soil microbial diversity and functional genes. We found that, organic fertilizer markedly altered soil chemistry and microbiology. At a low application rate (0.4% addition, Y1), available N (NO3−-N + NH4+-N) increased by 32.6%, soil pH dropped by 0.8 units and C:N ratio declined by 18.4% versus the unfertilized control. Proteobacteria peaked at 43.6% relative abundance under Y1, exhibiting a unimodal response to fertilization. Redundancy analysis identified NH4+ and NO3− as the main drivers of bacterial community shifts. Y1 suppressed nitrification genes (amoABC −41.2%) while enhancing denitrification pathways, correlating with a 24.7% yield increase. Partial least squares path modeling confirmed that organic fertilizer influenced yield primarily through modulation of soil N cycling. Higher application rates (0.6%–0.8%) reduced available N, limiting plant biomass and yield. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing organic fertilizer rates to bolster soil fertility and microbial function in Pisha–Aeolian sandy complexes without incurring negative agronomic effects.
{"title":"Response of Plant–Soil–Microbe System to Organic Fertilization in the Composite Soils of Pisha Sandstone and Aeolian Sand","authors":"Lirong He, Lei Shi, Hongfei Liu, Chunxiao Wu, GuoLiang Wang, Guobin Liu","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70298","url":null,"abstract":"Aeolian sands are characterized by loose structure and poor water and nutrient retention. Incorporating Pisha sandstone into weathered sandy soils improves texture, water-holding capacity and cation exchange capacity, potentially reshaping microbial communities and crop performance. However, the role of organic fertilization in such composite soils remains underexplored. We conducted an eight-month pot experiment in the Mao Wusu Desert with <i>Brassica napus</i> grown in a 1:2 (v:v) mix of Pisha sandstone and Aeolian sand. Organic fertilizer was applied at 0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% of dry soil weight, based on the principles of low quantity effectiveness, high quantity safety, and distinguishable gradients. We measured plant growth and yield, soil total and available nutrients, and soil microbial diversity and functional genes. We found that, organic fertilizer markedly altered soil chemistry and microbiology. At a low application rate (0.4% addition, Y1), available N (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>-N + NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N) increased by 32.6%, soil pH dropped by 0.8 units and C:N ratio declined by 18.4% versus the unfertilized control. <i>Proteobacteria</i> peaked at 43.6% relative abundance under Y1, exhibiting a unimodal response to fertilization. Redundancy analysis identified NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> as the main drivers of bacterial community shifts. Y1 suppressed nitrification genes (amoABC −41.2%) while enhancing denitrification pathways, correlating with a 24.7% yield increase. Partial least squares path modeling confirmed that organic fertilizer influenced yield primarily through modulation of soil N cycling. Higher application rates (0.6%–0.8%) reduced available N, limiting plant biomass and yield. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing organic fertilizer rates to bolster soil fertility and microbial function in Pisha–Aeolian sandy complexes without incurring negative agronomic effects.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145961658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rafaela Felix da França, Adelson Paulo de Araújo, Diogo Paes da Costa, José Romualdo de Sousa Lima, Maria Camila de Barros Silva Leite, Thallyta das Graças Espíndola da Silva, Anderson Santos da Silva, Gustavo Pereira Duda, Ademir Sergio Ferreira Araujo, Claude Hammecker, Erika Valente de Medeiros
Restoring phosphorus (P) cycling and microbial functionality is essential for rehabilitating severely degraded soils. This study investigated how phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with biochars derived from rice straw (RB) and grape fermentation residue (GB) reshapes soil P dynamics and microbial processes in soil degraded by overgrazing. Two Klebsiella aerogenes were applied with or without biochar to evaluate effects on soil P fractions, microbial biomass P, enzyme activities, respiration, and maize growth. Our study introduces an innovative approach by using biochar as a protective surface layer to interact with PSB on seeds. RB combined with PSB enhanced labile organic P, microbial respiration, and activities of β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase, indicating intensified mineralization and microbial functional turnover. Both biochars stimulated plant biomass, with RB plus PSB increasing maize dry weight by 1.8-fold over controls. These findings demonstrate that biochar applied as a protective seed layer enhances PSB functions by supplying nutrients, stabilizing microbial microhabitats that increase enzymatic efficiency and accelerate organic P mineralization. This functional coupling between biochar-mediated microenvironmental buffering and strain-specific microbial metabolism reactivates P cycling and supports plant establishment in degraded soils. Our study provides compelling evidence that combining PSB and biochar can restore soil health, improve phosphorus availability, and promote plant development, underscoring their potential as sustainable tools for regenerating degraded dryland ecosystems.
{"title":"Biochar as a Protective Layer Boosts Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Effects on Phosphorus and Microbial Activity in Degraded Soils","authors":"Rafaela Felix da França, Adelson Paulo de Araújo, Diogo Paes da Costa, José Romualdo de Sousa Lima, Maria Camila de Barros Silva Leite, Thallyta das Graças Espíndola da Silva, Anderson Santos da Silva, Gustavo Pereira Duda, Ademir Sergio Ferreira Araujo, Claude Hammecker, Erika Valente de Medeiros","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70452","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70452","url":null,"abstract":"Restoring phosphorus (P) cycling and microbial functionality is essential for rehabilitating severely degraded soils. This study investigated how phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with biochars derived from rice straw (RB) and grape fermentation residue (GB) reshapes soil P dynamics and microbial processes in soil degraded by overgrazing. Two <i>Klebsiella aerogenes</i> were applied with or without biochar to evaluate effects on soil P fractions, microbial biomass P, enzyme activities, respiration, and maize growth. Our study introduces an innovative approach by using biochar as a protective surface layer to interact with PSB on seeds. RB combined with PSB enhanced labile organic P, microbial respiration, and activities of β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase, indicating intensified mineralization and microbial functional turnover. Both biochars stimulated plant biomass, with RB plus PSB increasing maize dry weight by 1.8-fold over controls. These findings demonstrate that biochar applied as a protective seed layer enhances PSB functions by supplying nutrients, stabilizing microbial microhabitats that increase enzymatic efficiency and accelerate organic P mineralization. This functional coupling between biochar-mediated microenvironmental buffering and strain-specific microbial metabolism reactivates P cycling and supports plant establishment in degraded soils. Our study provides compelling evidence that combining PSB and biochar can restore soil health, improve phosphorus availability, and promote plant development, underscoring their potential as sustainable tools for regenerating degraded dryland ecosystems.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"55 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145961659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saba Babar, Muhammad Qasim, Amanullah Baloch, Jiyuan Wang, Saima Parveen Memon, Xiaoyang Xia, Cuncang Jiang
Salinized lands pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions having higher salt accumulation that hinders plant growth. Several organic and inorganic amendments could reclaim these lands, and choosing a suitable ameliorant depends on specific agro-ecological characteristics and soil physico-chemical properties. Among these strategies, incorporating biochar has been found to be an eco-friendly approach to mitigate soil salinity. Biochar production is undertaken by pyrolyzing the biomass within a temperature range of 350°C to 700°C. It exhibits a highly porous structure with enlarged surface area, high cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and carbon (C) content. Additionally, it contains a variety of surface functional groups, along with macro- and micro-nutrients. Biochar application renders positive impacts on physico-chemical and bio-organic characteristics of salt-affected lands by enhancing CEC and promoting Ca2+ (calcium) and Mg2+ (magnesium) enrichment, which facilitates the displacement of sodium (Na+) ions from exchange sites. Meanwhile, it forms biochar-organic matter-mineral complexes, which provide a suitable environment for microorganisms to carry out nutrient cycling and ultimately benefit plant growth. However, these beneficial impacts can vary with feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, and soil salinity level. Additionally, the high production cost of biochar and limited information on its long-term effects in salt-affected soils constrain its widespread adoption. Thus, this review synthesizes studies from 2014 to 2025, which explored the delineating mechanisms through which biochar improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, thereby enhancing plant performance under salt-affected soils. Meanwhile, it highlights persisting gaps in understanding its long-term stability and soil-microbe interactions under diverse salinity conditions. Hence, it provides deep insights into sustainable land management to support food security and climate resilience.
{"title":"Deciphering the Soil-Plant Responses to Salinization: Biochar as an Effective Remedy-Exploring Its Properties and Mitigation Role","authors":"Saba Babar, Muhammad Qasim, Amanullah Baloch, Jiyuan Wang, Saima Parveen Memon, Xiaoyang Xia, Cuncang Jiang","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70439","url":null,"abstract":"Salinized lands pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions having higher salt accumulation that hinders plant growth. Several organic and inorganic amendments could reclaim these lands, and choosing a suitable ameliorant depends on specific agro-ecological characteristics and soil physico-chemical properties. Among these strategies, incorporating biochar has been found to be an eco-friendly approach to mitigate soil salinity. Biochar production is undertaken by pyrolyzing the biomass within a temperature range of 350°C to 700°C. It exhibits a highly porous structure with enlarged surface area, high cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and carbon (C) content. Additionally, it contains a variety of surface functional groups, along with macro- and micro-nutrients. Biochar application renders positive impacts on physico-chemical and bio-organic characteristics of salt-affected lands by enhancing CEC and promoting Ca<sup>2+</sup> (calcium) and Mg<sup>2+</sup> (magnesium) enrichment, which facilitates the displacement of sodium (Na<sup>+</sup>) ions from exchange sites. Meanwhile, it forms biochar-organic matter-mineral complexes, which provide a suitable environment for microorganisms to carry out nutrient cycling and ultimately benefit plant growth. However, these beneficial impacts can vary with feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, and soil salinity level. Additionally, the high production cost of biochar and limited information on its long-term effects in salt-affected soils constrain its widespread adoption. Thus, this review synthesizes studies from 2014 to 2025, which explored the delineating mechanisms through which biochar improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, thereby enhancing plant performance under salt-affected soils. Meanwhile, it highlights persisting gaps in understanding its long-term stability and soil-microbe interactions under diverse salinity conditions. Hence, it provides deep insights into sustainable land management to support food security and climate resilience.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145961660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Straw return (SR) is a key strategy in China for recycling crop residues, improving soil fertility, and enhancing sustainable land management. Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRN) offers an effective means to optimize nutrient use efficiency and minimize environmental losses. However, the combined influence of SR and CRN on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and resource-use efficiency under intensive cropping systems remains insufficiently understood. A 2-year split-plot field experiment was conducted with SR and traditional planting (TP) as main plots, and five CRN rates (0, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha−1) as subplots. Compared with TP, SR combined with CRN significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil total nitrogen and organic carbon by 21% and 9.41%, respectively, and enhanced physiological traits, including relative chlorophyll content (SPAD, 49.36%), leaf area index (LAI, 25.41%), and dry matter accumulation (21.0%). At 200 kg ha−1 CRN, photosynthesis improved markedly, with a higher net photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 7.20%, SPAD by 3.89%, maximum photosynthetic capacity (Fv/Fm) by 5.16%, and photochemical quenching (qP) by 10.78% compared to TP. Grain yield recorded higher at 200 and 250 kg ha−1 CRN, and among the tested rates, 200 kg ha−1 achieved the best overall performance in yield. Overall, integrating SR with moderate CRN application improved soil fertility, promoted physiological performance, and increased maize yield while reducing nitrogen input. These results highlight the potential of combining SR with CRN fertilization to sustain land productivity and mitigate degradation risks in maize-based agroecosystems.
秸秆还田是中国农作物秸秆循环利用、提高土壤肥力和加强土地可持续管理的关键策略。控释氮肥（CRN）是优化养分利用效率、减少环境损失的有效手段。然而，在集约种植制度下，SR和CRN对玉米（Zea mays L.）生产力和资源利用效率的综合影响尚不清楚。采用2年的田间分块试验，以SR和传统种植（TP）为主区，5个CRN水平（0、100、150、200和250 kg ha - 1）为副区。与TP相比，SR + CRN显著提高了土壤全氮和有机碳含量（p < 0.05），分别提高了21%和9.41%，提高了相对叶绿素含量（SPAD, 49.36%）、叶面积指数（LAI, 25.41%）和干物质积累（21.0%）等生理性状。在200 kg ha−1 CRN条件下，与TP相比，净光合速率（Pn）提高7.20%，SPAD提高3.89%，最大光合能力（Fv/Fm）提高5.16%，光化学猝灭（qP）提高10.78%。200和250 kg ha - 1 CRN的籽粒产量较高，其中200 kg ha - 1 CRN的综合产量表现最佳。总体而言，将SR与适量CRN结合施用可改善土壤肥力，促进生理性能，并在减少氮投入的同时提高玉米产量。这些结果突出表明，在以玉米为基础的农业生态系统中，SR与CRN施肥相结合具有维持土地生产力和减轻退化风险的潜力。
{"title":"Optimizing Controlled-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Through Long-Term Straw Return to Enhance Photosynthesis, Nutrient Use, and Yield in Spring Maize","authors":"Jiuyang Mao, Haseeb Ahmad, Shahbaz Atta Tung, Abbas Hasnain, Zhenwei Li, Xianjie Tan, Xunbo Zhou","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70444","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70444","url":null,"abstract":"Straw return (SR) is a key strategy in China for recycling crop residues, improving soil fertility, and enhancing sustainable land management. Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRN) offers an effective means to optimize nutrient use efficiency and minimize environmental losses. However, the combined influence of SR and CRN on maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) productivity and resource-use efficiency under intensive cropping systems remains insufficiently understood. A 2-year split-plot field experiment was conducted with SR and traditional planting (TP) as main plots, and five CRN rates (0, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) as subplots. Compared with TP, SR combined with CRN significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) increased soil total nitrogen and organic carbon by 21% and 9.41%, respectively, and enhanced physiological traits, including relative chlorophyll content (SPAD, 49.36%), leaf area index (LAI, 25.41%), and dry matter accumulation (21.0%). At 200 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> CRN, photosynthesis improved markedly, with a higher net photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 7.20%, SPAD by 3.89%, maximum photosynthetic capacity (<i>Fv/Fm</i>) by 5.16%, and photochemical quenching (qP) by 10.78% compared to TP. Grain yield recorded higher at 200 and 250 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> CRN, and among the tested rates, 200 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> achieved the best overall performance in yield. Overall, integrating SR with moderate CRN application improved soil fertility, promoted physiological performance, and increased maize yield while reducing nitrogen input. These results highlight the potential of combining SR with CRN fertilization to sustain land productivity and mitigate degradation risks in maize-based agroecosystems.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"246 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145949892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal‐15.3 (SDG‐15.3) has conveyed a message of emergent connotation of restoration strategy and policy for degraded land ecosystems globally, and advocated for innovative and collaborative basic and applied research programs internationally. Trenching is an economically viable and practicable option for the conservation of green‐water and sustainable yield of production systems in the degraded land ecosystem. An optimum trenching density that has maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of production system is necessary for management and restoration of degraded/bad land ecosystems. Developed a concept for estimation of optimum trenching density by maximizing the net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system in land ecosystem, and demonstrate field applicability of the proposed concept for determining the optimum density of trenching in degraded ravine ecosystem. Evolved optimum trenching density concept consists of development of models for net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system. The two‐steps curve‐fitting approach was used for the development of models. An optimization model was formulated for optimum trenching density based on maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system. The proposed concept was field‐tested for the staggered contour trenching (SCT) in an experimental horti‐silvi‐pastoral system in the degraded ravine ecosystem. The developed optimization model for the SCT was solved employing the AMPL optimization software. The optimum density for the SCT in the horti‐silvi‐pastoral production system in the degraded ravine ecosystem was worked out to be 357 trenches ha −1 for getting maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of the horti‐silvi‐pastoral production system. The optimized density of the SCT (357 trenches ha −1 ) can successfully be implemented in the horti‐silvi‐pastoral or other similar production systems in degraded land ecosystems anywhere in India and world. Derived concept could be used by the field functionaries and watershed managers, researchers, academicians, and policy‐and decision‐makers for developing suitable micro‐level management plan in watershed development and/or crop production improvement programs, and evaluating the effectiveness of green‐water management and conservation practices in a specific production system in a given degraded land ecosystem that gives maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system.
{"title":"Optimum Trenching Density Estimation Concept for Horti‐Silvi‐Pastoral System in Degraded Ravine Ecosystem: A Field Application","authors":"Shakir Ali, Ashok Kumar, B. K. Sethy","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70447","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70447","url":null,"abstract":"The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal‐15.3 (SDG‐15.3) has conveyed a message of emergent connotation of restoration strategy and policy for degraded land ecosystems globally, and advocated for innovative and collaborative basic and applied research programs internationally. Trenching is an economically viable and practicable option for the conservation of green‐water and sustainable yield of production systems in the degraded land ecosystem. An optimum trenching density that has maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of production system is necessary for management and restoration of degraded/bad land ecosystems. Developed a concept for estimation of optimum trenching density by maximizing the net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system in land ecosystem, and demonstrate field applicability of the proposed concept for determining the optimum density of trenching in degraded ravine ecosystem. Evolved optimum trenching density concept consists of development of models for net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system. The two‐steps curve‐fitting approach was used for the development of models. An optimization model was formulated for optimum trenching density based on maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system. The proposed concept was field‐tested for the staggered contour trenching (SCT) in an experimental horti‐silvi‐pastoral system in the degraded ravine ecosystem. The developed optimization model for the SCT was solved employing the AMPL optimization software. The optimum density for the SCT in the horti‐silvi‐pastoral production system in the degraded ravine ecosystem was worked out to be 357 trenches ha <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> for getting maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of the horti‐silvi‐pastoral production system. The optimized density of the SCT (357 trenches ha <jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> ) can successfully be implemented in the horti‐silvi‐pastoral or other similar production systems in degraded land ecosystems anywhere in India and world. Derived concept could be used by the field functionaries and watershed managers, researchers, academicians, and policy‐and decision‐makers for developing suitable micro‐level management plan in watershed development and/or crop production improvement programs, and evaluating the effectiveness of green‐water management and conservation practices in a specific production system in a given degraded land ecosystem that gives maximum net‐benefit per unit cost of the production system.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"93 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145947448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Climate change and ongoing soil degradation are eroding terrestrial carbon sinks, underscoring the need to understand how ecological environmental quality changes (EEQC) shape soil organic carbon (SOC) functions. Prior work has often overlooked regional sensitivity in EEQC and provided limited evidence on how EEQC drives SOC storage (SOCS) and SOC sequestration potential (SOCSP). An EEQC evaluation framework was introduced in this study that incorporated vulnerability and regional sensitivity in pressure and status indicators, accounted for landscape configuration, human activities, and natural context, and revealed the spatiotemporal characteristics of EEQC in Qinghai Province (QH). We further used the soil carbon saturation deficit to assess SOCS and SOCSP, and applied geographically weighted regression and structural equation modeling to examine spatial correlations and causal pathways. Analyses focus on the 0–30 cm soil layer for 1990–2020. EEQC improved markedly over the study period with pronounced spatial variability: the greatest gains occurred in eastern and central QH where restoration efforts were concentrated, while the Qaidam Basin showed limited improvement constrained by natural conditions. Spatial diagnostics show higher historical SOCS in central and southeastern QH, commonly 50–70 or > 90 Mg C·hm −2 , and lower values < 30 Mg C·hm −2 in the Qaidam Basin. In low‐saturation zones, restoration delayed saturation and increased SOCS; in high‐saturation areas, limited input capacity constrained SOCSP. Status indicators had a direct positive effect on SOCS with coefficient = 0.38 and on SOCSP with 0.19, whereas pressure indicators had significant negative effects of −0.26 on SOCS and −0.27 on SOCSP and also suppressed status improvements. This study enhances the understanding of spatially explicit relationships between EEQC and SOCS/SOCSP, offering a robust framework for optimizing ecosystem restoration and carbon management strategies. It provides valuable scientific guidance for addressing the dual challenges of achieving regional carbon neutrality and improving ecological resilience under complex environmental conditions.
{"title":"How Do Changes in Ecosystem Quality Drive the Potential for Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration in High‐Altitude Areas?","authors":"Haoran Gao, Jian Gong, Jiakang Liu, Teng Ye","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70328","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70328","url":null,"abstract":"Climate change and ongoing soil degradation are eroding terrestrial carbon sinks, underscoring the need to understand how ecological environmental quality changes (EEQC) shape soil organic carbon (SOC) functions. Prior work has often overlooked regional sensitivity in EEQC and provided limited evidence on how EEQC drives SOC storage (SOCS) and SOC sequestration potential (SOCSP). An EEQC evaluation framework was introduced in this study that incorporated vulnerability and regional sensitivity in pressure and status indicators, accounted for landscape configuration, human activities, and natural context, and revealed the spatiotemporal characteristics of EEQC in Qinghai Province (QH). We further used the soil carbon saturation deficit to assess SOCS and SOCSP, and applied geographically weighted regression and structural equation modeling to examine spatial correlations and causal pathways. Analyses focus on the 0–30 cm soil layer for 1990–2020. EEQC improved markedly over the study period with pronounced spatial variability: the greatest gains occurred in eastern and central QH where restoration efforts were concentrated, while the Qaidam Basin showed limited improvement constrained by natural conditions. Spatial diagnostics show higher historical SOCS in central and southeastern QH, commonly 50–70 or > 90 Mg C·hm <jats:sup>−2</jats:sup> , and lower values < 30 Mg C·hm <jats:sup>−2</jats:sup> in the Qaidam Basin. In low‐saturation zones, restoration delayed saturation and increased SOCS; in high‐saturation areas, limited input capacity constrained SOCSP. Status indicators had a direct positive effect on SOCS with coefficient = 0.38 and on SOCSP with 0.19, whereas pressure indicators had significant negative effects of −0.26 on SOCS and −0.27 on SOCSP and also suppressed status improvements. This study enhances the understanding of spatially explicit relationships between EEQC and SOCS/SOCSP, offering a robust framework for optimizing ecosystem restoration and carbon management strategies. It provides valuable scientific guidance for addressing the dual challenges of achieving regional carbon neutrality and improving ecological resilience under complex environmental conditions.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145937999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Legislative frameworks that support gender equality are crucial for addressing structural inequalities, protecting women's rights, and achieving gender‐equitable land degradation neutrality (LDN) outcomes. This study examines the extent to which national‐level policies and legislation governing LDN and related sectors incorporate gender considerations and assesses their potential to advance gender‐equitable LDN outcomes. The analysis focuses on Nigeria—a country severely affected by land degradation and a long history of gender marginalisation. We applied a gender analytical framework that captures three broad levels of gender engagement: (1) gender mainstreaming, (2) experience of gender and (3) the degree of action taken to reduce gender inequality. The analysis revealed three main findings. First, foundational laws and outdated policies, including the Nigerian Constitution and the Land Use Act, are largely ineffective in advancing gender‐equitable LDN. These laws use gender‐neutral language that obscures systemic disparities and lack enforceable mechanisms to protect women's land rights and ensure their participation in governance. Second, more recent policies (developed within the past decade) demonstrate moderate to high levels of gender engagement. They incorporate gender‐focused measures such as advocating for women's land rights, promoting gender‐balanced decision‐making, ensuring gender‐sensitive financing and improving gender‐disaggregated data. Third, despite Nigeria's stated gender commitments, gender integration within LDN‐related laws remains largely symbolic, offering superficial acknowledgment of gender disparities without prioritising enforceable measures to address structural inequalities. Advancing gender‐equitable LDN outcomes in Nigeria requires shifting from symbolic recognition to enforceable reforms that challenge discriminatory norms and practices. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers in Nigeria and other LDN‐committed countries seeking to enhance gender integration in legal frameworks.
{"title":"Gender and Land Degradation Neutrality ( LDN ): Evaluating Nigeria's Legislative Framework for Achieving Gender‐Equitable LDN Outcomes","authors":"Cynthia Nneka Olumba, Chukwudi Charles Olumba","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70357","url":null,"abstract":"Legislative frameworks that support gender equality are crucial for addressing structural inequalities, protecting women's rights, and achieving gender‐equitable land degradation neutrality (LDN) outcomes. This study examines the extent to which national‐level policies and legislation governing LDN and related sectors incorporate gender considerations and assesses their potential to advance gender‐equitable LDN outcomes. The analysis focuses on Nigeria—a country severely affected by land degradation and a long history of gender marginalisation. We applied a gender analytical framework that captures three broad levels of gender engagement: (1) gender mainstreaming, (2) experience of gender and (3) the degree of action taken to reduce gender inequality. The analysis revealed three main findings. First, foundational laws and outdated policies, including the Nigerian Constitution and the Land Use Act, are largely ineffective in advancing gender‐equitable LDN. These laws use gender‐neutral language that obscures systemic disparities and lack enforceable mechanisms to protect women's land rights and ensure their participation in governance. Second, more recent policies (developed within the past decade) demonstrate moderate to high levels of gender engagement. They incorporate gender‐focused measures such as advocating for women's land rights, promoting gender‐balanced decision‐making, ensuring gender‐sensitive financing and improving gender‐disaggregated data. Third, despite Nigeria's stated gender commitments, gender integration within LDN‐related laws remains largely symbolic, offering superficial acknowledgment of gender disparities without prioritising enforceable measures to address structural inequalities. Advancing gender‐equitable LDN outcomes in Nigeria requires shifting from symbolic recognition to enforceable reforms that challenge discriminatory norms and practices. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers in Nigeria and other LDN‐committed countries seeking to enhance gender integration in legal frameworks.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gully erosion dominates soil degradation in small watersheds. While vegetation mitigates gully development, its effectiveness depends on type, partly through altering soil‐root shear strength. Few in situ studies assess this effect. Hence, this study quantified soil‐root shear strength differences between gullies covered by grass versus grass‐shrub mixed communities on the Loess Plateau. In situ shear tests measured peak shear stress and displacement, generating shear stress‐displacement curves. Peak shear stress and strain energy derived from these curves were calibrated to 15% soil moisture to characterize soil‐root shear strength. Results showed the average peak shear stress for grass‐covered gullies (9.32 kPa) was significantly higher than for mixed vegetation gullies (6.25 kPa). Shear strength decreased initially then increased with depth. The critical depths for this peak shear stress transition were 20 cm (grass) and 30 cm (mixed). Variations in shear strength with vegetation type and depth were primarily controlled by soil properties and root attributes. Peak shear stress exhibited a significant positive association with soil cohesion. Strain energy showed significant positive relationships with root mass density and effective root density. Soil organic matter content and aggregate stability enhanced strain energy through direct and indirect effects. These findings provide insights into the mechanical mechanisms by which vegetation type enhances gully soil strength and controls land degradation in semi‐arid regions.
{"title":"Soil‐Root Shear Strength of Gullies Covered by Different Vegetation Types on the Loess Plateau of China","authors":"Ruipeng Zhu, Guanghui Zhang, Shukun Xing","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70435","url":null,"abstract":"Gully erosion dominates soil degradation in small watersheds. While vegetation mitigates gully development, its effectiveness depends on type, partly through altering soil‐root shear strength. Few in situ studies assess this effect. Hence, this study quantified soil‐root shear strength differences between gullies covered by grass versus grass‐shrub mixed communities on the Loess Plateau. In situ shear tests measured peak shear stress and displacement, generating shear stress‐displacement curves. Peak shear stress and strain energy derived from these curves were calibrated to 15% soil moisture to characterize soil‐root shear strength. Results showed the average peak shear stress for grass‐covered gullies (9.32 kPa) was significantly higher than for mixed vegetation gullies (6.25 kPa). Shear strength decreased initially then increased with depth. The critical depths for this peak shear stress transition were 20 cm (grass) and 30 cm (mixed). Variations in shear strength with vegetation type and depth were primarily controlled by soil properties and root attributes. Peak shear stress exhibited a significant positive association with soil cohesion. Strain energy showed significant positive relationships with root mass density and effective root density. Soil organic matter content and aggregate stability enhanced strain energy through direct and indirect effects. These findings provide insights into the mechanical mechanisms by which vegetation type enhances gully soil strength and controls land degradation in semi‐arid regions.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yao Zhang, Rui Hu, Tian Li, Zehao Zhang, Zhanyong Fu, Kaikai Dong, Jinzhao Ma, Zhaohua Lu, Jingkuan Sun
Analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces of land‐use change in the Yellow River Delta is essential for optimizing territorial spatial layout, enhancing ecological protection, and advancing high‐quality regional development. This study is intended to clarify the quantitative link between land‐use transitions and ecological environmental effects, providing an analytical basis for revealing their coupling mechanisms and future land‐use trajectories. Drawing upon land‐use data from 1980 to 2020, this study integrated the ecological quality index, ecological contribution rate, and the Patch‐generating Land Use Simulation model to conduct a quantitative assessment of land‐use transformation and its ecological implications. It also projected the land‐use layout in 2030 under three scenarios. The findings indicated a continuous expansion of production and living space. During the early phase of the study period, ecological space consistently declined, indicating a transition from ecological to production land. Toward the end of the period, ecological space gradually recovered. The ecological quality index rose from 0.279 to 0.326, with a moderate increase in the area categorized as high‐quality. Temperature, population density, and proximity to tertiary roads were identified as key drivers of land‐use transitions. Scenario‐based forecasts suggest that ecological land will experience limited growth by 2030. Therefore, restricting the encroachment of productive land on ecological space is vital for promoting long‐term sustainability in the region.
{"title":"Eco‐Environmental Effects and Driving Forces of Land Use Transition in the Yellow River Delta","authors":"Yao Zhang, Rui Hu, Tian Li, Zehao Zhang, Zhanyong Fu, Kaikai Dong, Jinzhao Ma, Zhaohua Lu, Jingkuan Sun","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70414","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70414","url":null,"abstract":"Analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces of land‐use change in the Yellow River Delta is essential for optimizing territorial spatial layout, enhancing ecological protection, and advancing high‐quality regional development. This study is intended to clarify the quantitative link between land‐use transitions and ecological environmental effects, providing an analytical basis for revealing their coupling mechanisms and future land‐use trajectories. Drawing upon land‐use data from 1980 to 2020, this study integrated the ecological quality index, ecological contribution rate, and the Patch‐generating Land Use Simulation model to conduct a quantitative assessment of land‐use transformation and its ecological implications. It also projected the land‐use layout in 2030 under three scenarios. The findings indicated a continuous expansion of production and living space. During the early phase of the study period, ecological space consistently declined, indicating a transition from ecological to production land. Toward the end of the period, ecological space gradually recovered. The ecological quality index rose from 0.279 to 0.326, with a moderate increase in the area categorized as high‐quality. Temperature, population density, and proximity to tertiary roads were identified as key drivers of land‐use transitions. Scenario‐based forecasts suggest that ecological land will experience limited growth by 2030. Therefore, restricting the encroachment of productive land on ecological space is vital for promoting long‐term sustainability in the region.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145937536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The initial stage of vegetation recovery in post‐mining ecosystem represents a critical window for ecological restoration. However, the adaptive mechanisms of soil microbial communities during this period remain largely unclear. In this study, soils from an early restoration process in a mining area (restoration for 0, 1, 2, 3 years, and a control of CK) were analyzed to investigate changes in soil microbial diversity, community composition, assembly processes, and co‐occurrence network structure. The results indicated that during early recovery, there were no significant changes in the diversity and structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities, and the key dominant microbial phyla remained consistent. Stochastic processes played an important role in microbial community assembly in the mining areas, with drift particularly crucial in shaping the soil fungal community. While fungal communities showed a stronger association with environmental changes, the soil bacterial community became more stable and the co‐occurrence network became more complex in the early recovery stage, demonstrating stronger buffering capacity in mining environments with greater environmental resistance, resilience, and functional redundancy. This study highlighted the importance of preserving bacterial diversity in mining areas for ecosystem reconstruction and proposed the potential application of Basidiomycota in controlling heavy metal pollution in such environments.
{"title":"Soil Bacterial Communities Outperform Fungal Counterparts in Community Stability and Environmental Adaptation During Early‐Stage Vegetation Recovery in Mining Areas","authors":"Nana Zhou, Zhen Han, Jie He, Yaying Feng, Ruibo Zeng, Longshan Zhao","doi":"10.1002/ldr.70438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.70438","url":null,"abstract":"The initial stage of vegetation recovery in post‐mining ecosystem represents a critical window for ecological restoration. However, the adaptive mechanisms of soil microbial communities during this period remain largely unclear. In this study, soils from an early restoration process in a mining area (restoration for 0, 1, 2, 3 years, and a control of CK) were analyzed to investigate changes in soil microbial diversity, community composition, assembly processes, and co‐occurrence network structure. The results indicated that during early recovery, there were no significant changes in the diversity and structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities, and the key dominant microbial phyla remained consistent. Stochastic processes played an important role in microbial community assembly in the mining areas, with drift particularly crucial in shaping the soil fungal community. While fungal communities showed a stronger association with environmental changes, the soil bacterial community became more stable and the co‐occurrence network became more complex in the early recovery stage, demonstrating stronger buffering capacity in mining environments with greater environmental resistance, resilience, and functional redundancy. This study highlighted the importance of preserving bacterial diversity in mining areas for ecosystem reconstruction and proposed the potential application of Basidiomycota in controlling heavy metal pollution in such environments.","PeriodicalId":203,"journal":{"name":"Land Degradation & Development","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145907952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：